• Fairy House Building Contest: Photo Deadline April 12th
• Fairy Trail Day: May 2nd
• Mayapple Trail Runs set for Saturday, May 16th
• Volunteers needed May 2nd and May 16th
• Call for Art at the Wildflower Sculpture Park 
• Spring is coming - Make a plan to volunteer!
• SMC Ambassador Training on May 30th
• Free hikes continue!

Houses must be made from natural, biodegradable materials as outlined in our guidelines and approved by our Program Coordinators before installation.

 Photo submission deadline: Sunday, April 12
 Installation days (approved houses only): Sunday, April 19 or April 26
We encourage you to submit your photos as early as possible in case any changes are needed before installation on the trail.

🏆 Winners will be announced on May 2 at Fairy Trail Day🏆
You do not need to be present to win, but we would love to celebrate with you!

Questions? Reach out to us at fairytrail@somocon.org and follow us on Instagram @southmountainfairytrail 

Root System: Wildflower Sculpture Park Residency Project
Presented by South Mountain Conservancy & Essex County Parks
Curated by Doris Caçoilo, Alana Kakoyiannis & Penelope Malakates

Submission Deadline: April 13, 2026

The Wildflower Sculpture Park invites artists to apply for our second Residency Program. This year’s project, Root System, is a collaborative, site-responsive exploration of roots, rhizomes, and interconnected systems of life.

Artists are encouraged to consider how ecological networks within the South Mountain Reservation connect to community, history, and ancestry, and to propose work that engages themes of resilience, symbiosis, and environmental stewardship. Selected participants will develop new projects that activate the landscape through installation, performance, sound, video, or experiential work.

Eight artists will be selected to participate in a two-month cohort, working weekly and collaboratively toward a Fall 2026 exhibition at the Wildflower Sculpture Park.

Each artist will receive a $400 honorarium. 

Application deadline: April 13, 2026.

Questions? sculpturepark@somocon.org

👉 For full program schedule, details and how to apply, visit our website.

The South Mountain Conservancy Ambassadors Program is a dedicated team of volunteers who serve as friendly, knowledgeable stewards of the South Mountain Reservation.

Ambassadors help us preserve, protect, and restore the Reservation by:

• Educating visitors about SMC’s mission and programs
• Encouraging responsible trail use
• Promoting membership, donations, and volunteer opportunities
• Sharing trail knowledge and engaging with hikers
• Gathering feedback to improve the visitor experience

• Minimum of 4 volunteer days per year (ideally one weekend day per month at key Reservation locations) You choose your days!
• Occasional tabling at community events (fairs, festivals, etc.)
• Must be 18+

Ready to represent the Conservancy on the trails? Apply here:

We provide training, uniforms and materials — including SMC information, SMR guides and outreach guidance — so you’ll feel confident and prepared.

For more information, contact Program Coordinators Penni Malakates and John Bylancik at smcambassadors@somocon.org